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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

For more inspirational finds, please visit www.quatrefoildesign.comIn the kids’ playroom/study, there is a built in desk with an arched opening above it. We put our old desktop computer there (and a kitchen chair from the early 90s), and made the space wide enough so that another chair can be pulled up to the desk. I have done nothing with this space so far, and it is time to start making it feel more like home. I have plans for a fabric covered homasote bulletin board so the kids can hang their artwork and creations, and I would also like to hang a light from the top of the arch, as it is wired and we have a switch hidden in the shelves to the right of the arch.

I think that a small hanging light fixture would be charming in this space . What came to mind immediately is a Moravian star fixture; the arch looks a bit like a window, and Moravian stars are traditionally hung in windows or on porches during the Advent season. A star pendant would add a lovely element of whimsy and beauty that would be perfect for a space where children spend a lot of time.

Legend has it that the Moravian star originated in Germany at a Moravian school in the 1850s; they were originally made of paper and tradition holds that they were the basis of a geometry lesson. The stars can have any number of points, as long as they are based on polyhedrons. According to Moravian lore, the Moravian star became a representation of the Star of Bethlehem, and was displayed on the first Sunday of Advent. The star is an outward symbol of the period of waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Image source.

Pottery Barn used to sell variations on the Moravian star light, but they don’t seem to have them in their line up right now. This is the Olivia star pendant (left, image source).

A more recent offering from Pottery Barn was the Reed star pendant, but it does not appear to be available anymore either.

However, with a bit of digging, I was able to find some good sources for Moravian star lights online. Mermaid Hut in particular had a large selection of Moravian star lights available (click here for their selection).

This colorful star from Mermaid Hut caught my eye, although if I go with a Moravian star I will either do the clear glass or the opaque glass.

I came across quite a few inspirational pictures while searching Moravian star lights; this one is my favorite. The Moravian star usually has more points, and stars with fewer points are often called Stars of Bethlehem. Either way, this is a light fixture that always catches my eye when I see it. Normally I associate a star fixture with a whimsical or casual décor, but this hall is elegant and somewhat formal, with its groin vault ceiling, stone floor, and symmetrical furniture arrangement at the end. Yet, the star fixtures look beautiful in the area, relaxing the formality yet still providing a special touch.

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The star fixture adds a bit of brightness to the kitchen. Image source.

A star fixture works beautifully with the curve of the walls in this small nook. Image via Pinterest.

Hey Holly, At the suggestion of my designer, I'm putting one of these in my little girl's nursery. It's an antiqued silver star. A company out of Memphis called World's Away manufactures and sells them (usually to the trade). They also have an outlet in Memphis called World's Apart that sells them with minor scratches, etc. for a great price. They have different sizes and finishes if anyone is looking!

Love your blog, used it many times as a reference during our recent kitchen renovation. Congrats on your new home, can't wait to see pictures! Marti

Can't wait to see what you find at Scott's this weekend! I've always tried to make a trip during market week, but never get to it! We have a Moravian star in our rear foyer, and I love it --- we actually got it from a recommended ebay person in Texas.... he has many from which to choose....http://stores.ebay.com/Moravian-Star?_trksid=p4340.l2563

Lovely post. The image of the dark library is from here: http://www.empirevintage.com.au/thewhitehousedaylesford/ It's designed by Lyn Gardiner, and is a house she owns that she lets out for vacations in Daylesford, Australia.

It's going to be such a great look and one that has the fun aspect kids will love. but is elegant enough for adult taste!

I put a star fixture over a client's tub a few years back and have wanted one for my own house ever since. I went on the hunt again recently and have several of these images you showed here and really enjoyed seeing so much new inspiration!

I am a huge fan of the Moravian star and was stunned to find out that it originated in Germany since I grew up in New Mexico, where these are used in traditional Spanish/Mexican design. I have a punched tin Moravian star on my sideboard and recently ordered another clear glass one for from Direct from Mexico. It is well-made and was carefully shipped. Plus it's on sale for $86!http://www.directfrommexico.com/mc3046.htmlCamille

I love my moravian star in our entry. I had difficulty finding a fixture in a brass finish- finally located one at vaughan. Should you install a clear glass fixture, be aware that the old-fashioned looking light bulbs are fairly low wattage, and you might want more light in a workspace...

You sent me high-tailing it to Wikipedia. Being Moravian and having grown up in Winston-Salem, I was a little skeptical about the adjective being casually thrown about to describe anything but the traditional 26-point star. Looks like there's a bigger world out there.

I have a victorian brownstone in NYC, I purchased only one but once it arrived I was hooked and now I am adding them all over the hallways and entrances. I was able to find them at directfrommexico.com for a great price. Thank you for the lovely pictures.

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